When you’re in a tough spot, know that everything will be OK in the end…and if it’s not OK then it’s not the end.

With Independence Day passing a week ago, I’m reminded of a specific date that led to personal and professional independence for me: July 6. It was on this date in my career when I separated from an unfulfilling work environment. In being separated, I reclaimed happiness and made important strides towards becoming more “fully me”.

That decision opened the door to other things that were more important and more fulfilling for me: actualizing my LLC, leading marketing efforts at Penn State, becoming a Chief Revenue Officer.

Since that July 6, I was able to bet on myself, enact a vision a few times, act fast, talk straight, solve problems, do what’s right, and help people and organizations become more of who they were meant to be…and I’ve had fun along the way.

I’ve always remembered vividly the pivotal moments, dates, people and decisions that have helped build a life a career. July 6 is an important date for me, an independence day for me.